GIBBONS, GORDON DAVID - On March 3, 1927, Eleanor and Wilfrid Gibbons gave birth to their first son in a family that would see 4 sons and 3 daughters. Gordon David Gibbons arrived in this world with spinabifida, and subsequent hydrocephaly, conditions that would limit his life to a few months or years, so his parents were told. Eleanor would hear nothing of it, so at 6 weeks of age, Gordon and his mother made the journey, by train, to see Brother Andre in Montreal. Brother Andre was known to have a special relationship with St. Joseph and miracles occurred through his prayers. He pinned a medal on Gordon's nightie and told Eleanor to go home and look after her son. Almost eighty-three years after that special trip, our beloved father, husband, and grandfather died at camp on Fairbanks - his home. From the beginning, his life was filled with challenge, joy, and absolute happiness. He met the love of his life in Sudbury through his activity with Christ the King Church and CYO. Mary Maureen Horne and Gordon were married on November 14, 1959 and began their life together. Their life together was exactly what "married life" was supposed to be committed, loving, fun, selfless, giving and supportive for life. Never once did their two children, Mary Elizabeth and Brian, ever feel that they lacked for anything, be it material or emotional. Gordon taught his children to respect life and everyone in it. He was very involved with community organizations in the Moncton area for 30 years. He was responsible for the school buses changing their routes so that the children from the poorest part of town would not have to play outside for hours before class - winter, fall and spring. He received many awards for his volunteer work with disabled children and adults. His generosity was not just experienced by organizations and his family. He took genuine interest in his employees at Lane's Bakery and, after he became a financial advisor, in his clients and their unique situations. He was, without a doubt, everyone's helper, everyone's "rock" - the voice of supportive reason in all situations. If you knew him, you know how many people will cherish their memories of him and relationships with him. Most notably, he will be missed by his brothers and their wives, Wilfrid and Marion (Cornwall), Rob and Marlene (Bayden) and Jim and Mary (Fergus), his sisters Margaret Myers of Calgary and Trudy Donovan (Kevin) of Burlington; the extended family of Mrs. Exilda Horne (deceased) - her children (Basil, Ronnie and wife Theresa, Eileen, Jean) and their families, including the Finns, McCoys, and Keasts; and many nieces and nephews whose lives he touched; as well, his special caregiver Angie Lamothe (Espanola) who is unique in her ability to brighten a room by her presence and was always able to put a smile on Gordon's face, until the end. Gordie is now with deceased members of our family - his parents Eleanor and Wilfrid, Exilda Horne, Jean and Harold Keast, Joan and Glenn Welton, Hugh Finn, Leo McCoy, Martin Finn, Margaret Anne and Anne (Lynch) Horne, Con, Catherine and Cecilia Myers, Marjorie (Nadon) Gibbons, Joanne and Sheila (Reynolds) Gibbons, and Jeanette Gibbons. Without a doubt, the absence of him in our everyday lives will be most heartfully felt by his wife, Maureen, his daughter Mary Beth, both of Sudbury, his son Brian and his wife Caroline of Riverview, NB. Poppa never expected to experience the birth of his grandchildren, and, as God would have it, Matthew and Poppa had a few very special years cuddling, playing, wrestling, shaving and snoozing together. Considering Gordon's commitment to helping others, donations to "Mission of Tears - Haiti" would be appreciated. Mission of Tears has operated an orphanage and hospital for disabled children in Haiti since 1991. The most vulnerable were always closest to his heart. Alternately, donations to the Vale INCO Hospice would reflect the support and kindness our family received from Eileen Klym. Please come and join us in a true celebration of what was and what WILL be for our dad, husband, Poppa, brother, uncle and friend. Visitation will be held at Jackson Barnard Funeral Home on Thursday, January 28th from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9. Funeral mass will be held at Christ the King Church at 10 am on Friday, January 29th. Flowers, donations, and messages of condolence available online at www.lougheed.org